"I was born and raised here, and I'm tired of seeing our babies die in the streets," said Hughes. "Mr. Mayor, you said we can't social work our way out of this crisis. I disagree with you. That's exactly what we need to do. We need to social work our way out of this. We need to house our way out of this. We need to educate our way out of this."
Another resident, Latisha Facyson, called into the meeting to ensure her voice was heard.
"We've got to do something besides just talking. It needs to be action," she said.
Their passion came as Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews presented the fourth-quarter crime report for the final time before retirement.
"Year to date in 2026, we are at nine homicides," she said.
Data from police shows violent crime, including homicides, is down. Property crimes, such as burglary, have also decreased. At the same time, larceny tops the list for crimes committed by juveniles.
Mayor Leo Williams said he needs the support of his colleagues to provide resources to teens.
"I would like to see more investment in youth engagement. Youth opportunities downtown and throughout the city. I would like to see sports leagues come back. I want to see kids playing in the gymnasium that we have," he said.
In the meantime, data from police shows clearance rates for homicides are at 89%, which is higher than the national average for solving cases.
In May of 2024, Sandra Howell's son, Frederick, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. Nearly two years later, police made an arrest in the case.
"I never gave up," she said. "I'm glad they found someone. It makes them be held accountable."